1986 351w

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Jan 5, 2007 | 03:01 AM

272VeeAte

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1986 351w

Buddy with an '86 351W, 4 barrel holley (I was asking him about the CFM rating on it but he hasn't gotten back to me), C6, ford 9inch rear which I'm not sure of the gearing of. How many horses should the motor be putting out? I know if it has low gearing, it won't take off real real well, but he's saying it takes patience getting up to speed. What's the engine rated at? Thanks.

Jan 5, 2007 | 07:53 AM

Conanski

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It's not a HO 351 then, probably a plane jane wheezer 351 that somebody slapped a 4bbl on, or it has serious issues like no compression or a clogged exhaust. Factory spec for those things was 160-180hp... which sounds about right for the versions I have driven.

Jan 5, 2007 | 06:22 PM

272VeeAte

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Still, with around 170 HP, I should still be able to feel a little power. =)

Jan 5, 2007 | 09:43 PM

Conanski

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 272VeeAte

Still, with around 170 HP, I should still be able to feel a little power. =)

Well.. if it wasn't for the redicuously restricted factory exhaust, these motors can easily make 200hp. The HO verion has a better cam and could make upwards of 250hp with a decent exhaust. One thing I just thought of. Some of these old motors had a stupid butterfly valve inline with the exhaust manifolds that was vacuum or cable operated(some eissions thing). I have seen these seize closed, and obviously severly restrict exhaust flow. Have a look for this. Otherwise, check compression, timing should be 8-10deg base, and give it a good tunup.

Jan 5, 2007 | 09:46 PM

272VeeAte

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Yeah I plan to. It's supposedly a rebuilt motor, with a brand new holley 4 bbl, and it idles real nice and smooth, I just figured it would pick up a lot better than it does. =)

Jan 6, 2007 | 12:43 AM

baddad457

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If it's got no pep, check the timing. Std 4 bbl on these motors was a Holley/Ford 4180 (not to be confused with the 4150/60) CFM rating was 600. And I'm pretty sure the 9" was dead by 86, but you never know. More likely to be an 8.8.

Jan 9, 2007 | 10:07 AM

aj197816134

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it COULD be a 9" alot of guys had issues with the 8.8's and switched over to the Ford 9. My 86 Had a 9" rear, and even when we looked up the parts book for bearings and seals they listed the ford 9" as an option in 86. Guess its what Ford had left over!